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Prairie Promises #1
The Bride Bargain
When dropped from the wagon train along the Platte River for not pulling their load, Clara Fields is determined to find a way to provide for her newly-widowed aunt. So she strikes a bargain with an aging storekeeper that in exchange for finding a bride for his son Clara can have his house to run a boardinghouse. But Dr. Saul Reed is not interested in getting tied down to Buttonwood in the middle of nowhere, and he certainly has no plans for marriage. Can he shake his determined matchmaker, or will he strike a new bargain with Clara?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
280 people are currently reading
1194 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Eileen Hake
44 books188 followersKelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents series, where she has released several books. A credentialed Secondary English teacher in California, she is pursing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for her own style of witty, heartwarming historical romance, Kelly is currently writing the Prairie Promises trilogy, her first full-length novels. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and was first published at the tender age of eighteen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 4, 2022
What a lovely read.
October 24, 2009
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Its nicely done but there's no "wow" factor to it like a really great read gives you.
This is definitely a Christian novel and while not heavy on scripture, is probably not something a non-Christian would find appealing. The theme of the story, which I think most people can appreciate and relate to, is pride. There's also the underlying theme of disappointment in God not answering your prayers but giving you what He wants in return, which turns out even better than you'd hoped for.
I've never been a fan of headstrong heroines. Spunky and feminine and all woman, yes. But while this heroine is all that, she's also got the trope that I really don't like: "no man is going to tell me what to do".
If you're looking for a nice read to pass the day away, this is it. For me, definitely not a keeper, although I wouldn't be opposed to reading more of this author's work.
This is definitely a Christian novel and while not heavy on scripture, is probably not something a non-Christian would find appealing. The theme of the story, which I think most people can appreciate and relate to, is pride. There's also the underlying theme of disappointment in God not answering your prayers but giving you what He wants in return, which turns out even better than you'd hoped for.
I've never been a fan of headstrong heroines. Spunky and feminine and all woman, yes. But while this heroine is all that, she's also got the trope that I really don't like: "no man is going to tell me what to do".
If you're looking for a nice read to pass the day away, this is it. For me, definitely not a keeper, although I wouldn't be opposed to reading more of this author's work.
November 11, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
1/21/2015-
“I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this novel due to the fact that the back-cover didn't interest me much. Both main characters had a faith and I found the match making plot to be funny. There was some parts I didn't like though, so that effected the rating.”
*Main Content-
A jerk tries to pinch a girl's bottom (mentioned, not detailed); A 13 year old prostitute talks to Saul & is afraid that her sister's "boss" will find her (Saul calls him a pimp); Mentions of said boss/pimp; Mentions of a man who forced a girl into prostitution and when she became pregnant, he pushed her which lead to her dying; a semi-detailed kiss.
1/21/2015-
“I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to like this novel due to the fact that the back-cover didn't interest me much. Both main characters had a faith and I found the match making plot to be funny. There was some parts I didn't like though, so that effected the rating.”
*Main Content-
A jerk tries to pinch a girl's bottom (mentioned, not detailed); A 13 year old prostitute talks to Saul & is afraid that her sister's "boss" will find her (Saul calls him a pimp); Mentions of said boss/pimp; Mentions of a man who forced a girl into prostitution and when she became pregnant, he pushed her which lead to her dying; a semi-detailed kiss.
March 6, 2017
A decent historical romance.
May 18, 2013
This book was okay. I loved the plot, but some of the execution was so-so. Especially at the end. One thing that really bugged me was that Clara's last name kept changing. Is she Miss Field, Miss Edgerly, or Miss Reed? The other thing that I found was that the ending was very disappointing. It wrapped things up way too quickly and in a very confusing manner. It almost felt like Ms. Hake was running out of time and had a deadline to meet or so many words to meet to finish the book and she hurriedly finished the book without reading through it ever again. After finishing the book, I went to the copyright page to find out who published this book. I was surprised to find out that it was not self-published. Maybe publishers do not read through the books before publishing to make sure there is consistency and excellence throughout the whole book. I hope that is not the case, but if this book was any indication, I would say it is.
June 8, 2012
This was a cute idea but was not executed well. The writing was all over the place with changing POV in the middle of a page and jumping around from one place to the next. The story just didn't flow well. The characters where interesting, but needed more depth. There was an ok amount of prayer and going to church not at all too preachy. But I hung in their and kept reading, but the end was a train wreck and just left be irritated. How many misunderstandings can there be between two people, well there were just too many in this book. Very clean read.
June 29, 2023
This book wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I felt kind of bored for a good amount of the story. I couldn't really pinpoint the climax of the story because the way it ended could have been the climax. But, then nothing was resolved and it ended on a cliffhanger.
Clara is the "strong independent woman" type that "don't need no man" and it was a little frustrating. I did like the other characters but I feel like the author was trying to do too much and ran out of time. I do have the rest of the series, so we will see if the other 2 are any better.
Clara is the "strong independent woman" type that "don't need no man" and it was a little frustrating. I did like the other characters but I feel like the author was trying to do too much and ran out of time. I do have the rest of the series, so we will see if the other 2 are any better.
September 22, 2019
Refreshing
Predictable however refreshing in the way that Kelly takes us to that end. She hits on spots that are new to Western novel's.
Predictable however refreshing in the way that Kelly takes us to that end. She hits on spots that are new to Western novel's.
March 5, 2021
Review pending
September 6, 2019
Enjoyable
It started a little gritty & sorrowful. Yet in the end it was a sweet romance. Honestly the other romances may be sweeter than the main one. It was an enjoyable story.
It started a little gritty & sorrowful. Yet in the end it was a sweet romance. Honestly the other romances may be sweeter than the main one. It was an enjoyable story.
June 6, 2020
It's been a tough few weeks and I needed a bit of light fluff to fill my days. Something I knew what to expect and it was going to end happy.
This would have been more of a fast read if I had spent more time on it (but I am reading many books at once as usual). This book was funnier than I was expecting. The main character Clara is traveling across country with her aunt and they get kicked out of the wagon train. They end up in a small western town called Buttonwood. They meet the local owner of the Store (dry goods shop), Josiah. He has a good heart and offers them a place to stay for the winter because they won't find a wagon train to link with. He also has underhanded plans; he plans to go back East to visit his daughter who is going to give birth, and his son the doctor will be coming to watch the shop. Josiah is hoping to arrange a meet cute, so he makes a deal with Clara to get his son married off to one of the single ladies in town. He promises her that she can have his house if she gets his son to marry. She has no idea he hopes/thinks that she will end up in love with and marry his son.
It was hilarious and I'm probably not doing it justice but the matchmaking that Clara does and the situations she throw Saul into are amazing.
Quotes:
“Josiah took a deep breath and looked away, as though not wanting to add to his son’s burden. ‘I don’t want to ask more…’
‘Whatever you need, Dad.’ His son stepped right into trap as he spoke. ‘Just tell me.’
‘Well…’ This time Josiah’s hesitancy wasn’t a show. It seemed too easy to maneuver a son who meant well. But I mean well, too. ‘The thing is…Hickory pushed Mrs. Edgerly and Miss Field real hard on the trail. You know the journey already takes a lot out of a person, but these women showed up looking done in. Mind you, don’t tell them I said so.’ He fixed Saul with a sharp stare. ‘They’re strong women, but everyone has a limit. Mrs. Edgerly reached hers long before they made it to Buttonwood, and her niece took everything upon herself’”(p. 89).
“’Then here’s your first lesson. The next time you’re upset, don’t scamper off.’ Clara opened the door and followed her charge inside. ‘You never know what you’re missing when you run away from a conversation.’”(p. 191).
This would have been more of a fast read if I had spent more time on it (but I am reading many books at once as usual). This book was funnier than I was expecting. The main character Clara is traveling across country with her aunt and they get kicked out of the wagon train. They end up in a small western town called Buttonwood. They meet the local owner of the Store (dry goods shop), Josiah. He has a good heart and offers them a place to stay for the winter because they won't find a wagon train to link with. He also has underhanded plans; he plans to go back East to visit his daughter who is going to give birth, and his son the doctor will be coming to watch the shop. Josiah is hoping to arrange a meet cute, so he makes a deal with Clara to get his son married off to one of the single ladies in town. He promises her that she can have his house if she gets his son to marry. She has no idea he hopes/thinks that she will end up in love with and marry his son.
It was hilarious and I'm probably not doing it justice but the matchmaking that Clara does and the situations she throw Saul into are amazing.
Quotes:
“Josiah took a deep breath and looked away, as though not wanting to add to his son’s burden. ‘I don’t want to ask more…’
‘Whatever you need, Dad.’ His son stepped right into trap as he spoke. ‘Just tell me.’
‘Well…’ This time Josiah’s hesitancy wasn’t a show. It seemed too easy to maneuver a son who meant well. But I mean well, too. ‘The thing is…Hickory pushed Mrs. Edgerly and Miss Field real hard on the trail. You know the journey already takes a lot out of a person, but these women showed up looking done in. Mind you, don’t tell them I said so.’ He fixed Saul with a sharp stare. ‘They’re strong women, but everyone has a limit. Mrs. Edgerly reached hers long before they made it to Buttonwood, and her niece took everything upon herself’”(p. 89).
“’Then here’s your first lesson. The next time you’re upset, don’t scamper off.’ Clara opened the door and followed her charge inside. ‘You never know what you’re missing when you run away from a conversation.’”(p. 191).
May 11, 2017
I like frontier stories and mail order brides and this was almost a combination of the two. A very sweet story of a young woman who wanted to go to Oregon to start a new life but instead was caught up in a plan to find a bride for her employers don. Good story
March 29, 2017
This was a wonderful start to a three book series. The Bride Bargain is the first I've read from Kelly Eileen Hake. What a treat it is to find a new favorite author with a list of books ready and waiting for me.
August 29, 2008
A pool read, a rather predictable but sweet romance.
February 17, 2016
Gr4eat book. Set in the mid 1850s on the Oregon Trail, hake's whit and relatable characters make this book shine. fast read. want to read more from this author...
September 24, 2025
I needed something lighthearted to get me out of a reading slump, caused by work and current events. This was a simple, humorous story that brought me joy.
It is not the best Christian romance I’ve read, for character development reasons. I felt our female MC kept going in circles—and her reasoning for wanting to start fresh were just not meshing with Mr. “I want to go back to Baltimore”. And, Mr. Saul Reed, when you finally noticed our girl, I thought your desire to still go back was… solid. Even when presented with reasons to stay, you were adamant about going back. But then… you just changed your mind on a whim? I felt that more angst/tension/discussion was needed to get him to convert to staying in Nebraska. And the chemistryyyy… needed some work. Like, our MC’s needed to spend some more quality time together.
There were a few good discussions they had. (I think my favorite interaction was when all the ladies of the town apple goodies.🤔 But then… their chat was interrupted!!! I was so ready for Saul to reveal some of his backstory and then… Argh.) And when Saul realized Clara’s scheming, and decided to scheme right back—he was discovered too quickly!
Switching to Midge’s perspective was annoying and seemingly unnecessary at times. Hoping her tale improves in the next book.
Likewise, the ending was wrapped up so quickly… it was like an epilogue was needed.
Oh well, I’m out of the slump!
It is not the best Christian romance I’ve read, for character development reasons. I felt our female MC kept going in circles—and her reasoning for wanting to start fresh were just not meshing with Mr. “I want to go back to Baltimore”. And, Mr. Saul Reed, when you finally noticed our girl, I thought your desire to still go back was… solid. Even when presented with reasons to stay, you were adamant about going back. But then… you just changed your mind on a whim? I felt that more angst/tension/discussion was needed to get him to convert to staying in Nebraska. And the chemistryyyy… needed some work. Like, our MC’s needed to spend some more quality time together.
There were a few good discussions they had. (I think my favorite interaction was when all the ladies of the town apple goodies.🤔 But then… their chat was interrupted!!! I was so ready for Saul to reveal some of his backstory and then… Argh.) And when Saul realized Clara’s scheming, and decided to scheme right back—he was discovered too quickly!
Switching to Midge’s perspective was annoying and seemingly unnecessary at times. Hoping her tale improves in the next book.
Likewise, the ending was wrapped up so quickly… it was like an epilogue was needed.
Oh well, I’m out of the slump!
October 3, 2019
Worry of a second reading
I read this book some months back and thoroughly enjoyed it. I came across it again today and thought "why not"? The book on first read was a compelling work of character,faith, and human kindness. This reading brought out the finer points of human compassion and man's need of finding a place called "HOME". Adversity either makes or breaks the spirit of a man or woman. Finding the end result in a satisfying manner for all parties is a tedious juggling act. The characters in this book Doreen and Josiah, Clare and Saul and the indomitable Midge converge to bring a satisfying heartfelt closure for their lives. The losses and trials were never trivialized but we're dealt with in manner befitting each incident whether it was past or present. A beautiful awakening of spiritual growth in a harsh era in our country. Who's to say that incidents portrayed here didn't happen at some point in our westward migration. Beautifully written and I'm sure to read again at some point. I love rereading a good book
I read this book some months back and thoroughly enjoyed it. I came across it again today and thought "why not"? The book on first read was a compelling work of character,faith, and human kindness. This reading brought out the finer points of human compassion and man's need of finding a place called "HOME". Adversity either makes or breaks the spirit of a man or woman. Finding the end result in a satisfying manner for all parties is a tedious juggling act. The characters in this book Doreen and Josiah, Clare and Saul and the indomitable Midge converge to bring a satisfying heartfelt closure for their lives. The losses and trials were never trivialized but we're dealt with in manner befitting each incident whether it was past or present. A beautiful awakening of spiritual growth in a harsh era in our country. Who's to say that incidents portrayed here didn't happen at some point in our westward migration. Beautifully written and I'm sure to read again at some point. I love rereading a good book
March 8, 2021
A nice story, a relaxing story
Some might call this a "fluff" piece. I personally thought it had more depth than that. And it is true that in this period of history and probably many would be astonished as how many years into the 20th century, a woman marries. And the land, jewelry, even the clothes on her back no longer are hers. Clara knows this because she watched and lived with her aunt whose husband let them know they were just women. And Clara a "useless" orphan. Determined she would do what she and her aunt wanted and needed, she was not going to be ordered or told she couldn't or that she was a failure by a man.
Some people achieve because they have people telling them they can; a few achieve because a person or persons told them they can't. Having fallen a few times in this latter group, I understand Clara and perhaps see her in a different light. Thus my higher rating.
I like this little town and will read the next book in this series. Maybe the "feud" will be a key part of the next one.
Some might call this a "fluff" piece. I personally thought it had more depth than that. And it is true that in this period of history and probably many would be astonished as how many years into the 20th century, a woman marries. And the land, jewelry, even the clothes on her back no longer are hers. Clara knows this because she watched and lived with her aunt whose husband let them know they were just women. And Clara a "useless" orphan. Determined she would do what she and her aunt wanted and needed, she was not going to be ordered or told she couldn't or that she was a failure by a man.
Some people achieve because they have people telling them they can; a few achieve because a person or persons told them they can't. Having fallen a few times in this latter group, I understand Clara and perhaps see her in a different light. Thus my higher rating.
I like this little town and will read the next book in this series. Maybe the "feud" will be a key part of the next one.
June 14, 2019
Clara Fields and her aunt are left behind when the leader of their wagon train decides they cannot keep up without a man with them. To survive the coming winter, Clara makes a bargain with Mr. Reed, an older storekeeper to keep house for him. When Dr. Saul Reed arrives to visit his father, Mr. Reed and Clara strike a new bargain: find a wife for Dr. Reed.
Clara annoyed me from start to finish, and I can't exactly pin down why. I also could not get behind the romance. Dr. Reed and Clara do not see eye to eye and most things, and they argue from the moment they meet. Romance, I think not.
The narrative bounces from Clara's to Dr. Reed's and then to Midge, an orphan girl adopted by the good doctor. It is well told, however much I didn't enjoy the characters.
Readers of clean historical/inspirational romance will no doubt enjoy this. I do not plan on continuing the series.
Clara annoyed me from start to finish, and I can't exactly pin down why. I also could not get behind the romance. Dr. Reed and Clara do not see eye to eye and most things, and they argue from the moment they meet. Romance, I think not.
The narrative bounces from Clara's to Dr. Reed's and then to Midge, an orphan girl adopted by the good doctor. It is well told, however much I didn't enjoy the characters.
Readers of clean historical/inspirational romance will no doubt enjoy this. I do not plan on continuing the series.
September 16, 2020
I found The Bride Bargain to be a fun and distracting read. The play on a match-making scheme plot was delightful and entertaining. The hero and heroine were believable and engaging. I also found delight in all the little details of country life, life on a wagon train, and details you don't typically find in a novel like this one. There is something to be said for nailing the end though, and there was just something off about the conclusion that made me give it a four-star instead of a five. Without giving spoilers, I found some of the character reactions a little unbelievable. I still enjoyed the ending, but not perhaps as much as I hoped I would.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy the wild west, small-town settings, match-making plots, and strong-willed women.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy the wild west, small-town settings, match-making plots, and strong-willed women.
December 23, 2025
A fun story
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel until right before the end. There was humor sprinkled with the trials of the wagon train and life itself. I was sorry Simon(?) the ox didn't get to make further appearances throughout the novel once they arrived at the town. The pace of the story was very good, and the characters were likable and credible. All the conniving and scheming was entertaining. The only real issues I had were at the end of the book, which I felt was rushed, disorganized, and laced with too many assumptions and misconceptions. I especially appreciated the faith aspect woven into the latter part of the novel. All in all, a cute, fun read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel until right before the end. There was humor sprinkled with the trials of the wagon train and life itself. I was sorry Simon(?) the ox didn't get to make further appearances throughout the novel once they arrived at the town. The pace of the story was very good, and the characters were likable and credible. All the conniving and scheming was entertaining. The only real issues I had were at the end of the book, which I felt was rushed, disorganized, and laced with too many assumptions and misconceptions. I especially appreciated the faith aspect woven into the latter part of the novel. All in all, a cute, fun read.
April 16, 2019
Love this author! I promise you will enjoy!
Very enjoyable book! I love reading books about the Oregon Trail, this one didn't disappoint. This book begins with the hardships of the trail going West, the majority of the book is about living in a small town after being forced off the trail with plans to return after the winter passes. I really love the way this author has different characters lives and stories going on in the book she does a great job welding them together so you do not get confused with the story line. Read it, you won't be sorry! Now on to book 2..
Very enjoyable book! I love reading books about the Oregon Trail, this one didn't disappoint. This book begins with the hardships of the trail going West, the majority of the book is about living in a small town after being forced off the trail with plans to return after the winter passes. I really love the way this author has different characters lives and stories going on in the book she does a great job welding them together so you do not get confused with the story line. Read it, you won't be sorry! Now on to book 2..
September 10, 2019
.
I truly enjoyed your book! It is refreshing to be able to relax and read good, Christ based literature. If I may, I would like to point out something that I noticed, because that is just the type of thing my mind picks up. Clara was called Miss Reed instead of her name on several occasions. It certainly did not hurt the story, but I could not help seeing it. Also, my grandma heart kept waiting to hear about the new grandbaby that Mr Reed went to welcome. Thanks for the pleasure of your efforts. Keep up the good work! Janet Smith. yancyb513@gmail.com
I truly enjoyed your book! It is refreshing to be able to relax and read good, Christ based literature. If I may, I would like to point out something that I noticed, because that is just the type of thing my mind picks up. Clara was called Miss Reed instead of her name on several occasions. It certainly did not hurt the story, but I could not help seeing it. Also, my grandma heart kept waiting to hear about the new grandbaby that Mr Reed went to welcome. Thanks for the pleasure of your efforts. Keep up the good work! Janet Smith. yancyb513@gmail.com
October 20, 2019
Going To Oregon
This was an interesting book although the writing was not well presented. Two women, one married joined a wagon train going to Oregon in the 1800's. The husband died leaving all the hard work for the women.
I read all the story but had a hard time with the plot which wandered around.. The last few chapters held my interest and was exciting which brought the whole story together.
This was an interesting book although the writing was not well presented. Two women, one married joined a wagon train going to Oregon in the 1800's. The husband died leaving all the hard work for the women.
I read all the story but had a hard time with the plot which wandered around.. The last few chapters held my interest and was exciting which brought the whole story together.
July 19, 2021
I loved it but Clara and Saul both got on my nerves. They both had a plan for their lives and just dragged everyone else along for the ride. Josiah was wrong to make such a deal with Clara and even though she wanted what was best for her Aunt it was just wrong. 😣 At the end when Aunt Doreen got her happy ever after and Clara had a hissy I was seeing red! 😡 Just get over yourself! I am praying 🙏 the remaining books are as good but without selfish characters. 😉
September 14, 2021
Enjoyable book about a strong, determined young woman, Clara, and her Aunt Doreen to head west and establish a new life for themselves in Oregon. Clara is bound and determined that they will make it on their own without either of them having to give up their independence to any man. When they find themselves abandoned in the middle of the prairie, they make it to a small town and eventually discover the true meaning of love.
September 7, 2019
Although I really enjoyed the story and characters, I only give it 4 stars due to some editing errors. In many places, throughout the story, the female lead, Clara Fields, is referred to as Miss Reed, which is the last name of the male lead, Saul. This, along with some misspelling, is the reason I could not give this book a 5.
September 7, 2019
A Beautiful Life
A moving, well written novel with true to life characters gives us an insight to life in the west in the 19th century. We see people who struggle against poverty and ignorance and others who give them hope and comfort. Throughout all of these people and their stories, we see God weaving His love and truth without being “preachy”.
A moving, well written novel with true to life characters gives us an insight to life in the west in the 19th century. We see people who struggle against poverty and ignorance and others who give them hope and comfort. Throughout all of these people and their stories, we see God weaving His love and truth without being “preachy”.
September 15, 2019
Loved it!
Life is full of hardships and pain. No one’s life is perfect. I loved the story, it made sense. I especially loved the scene of describing who would be an acceptable mate, very clever! The story was full of realities and all the blessings we have, right in front of our faces, and so often we gloss over them.
Life is full of hardships and pain. No one’s life is perfect. I loved the story, it made sense. I especially loved the scene of describing who would be an acceptable mate, very clever! The story was full of realities and all the blessings we have, right in front of our faces, and so often we gloss over them.
May 14, 2020
Apples and Honesty
Clara was a grown woman and she decided to take her Aunt out West on a wagon train but the head man didn't like the fact that they didn't have any mention with them. Clara was determined that they could make it on their own. Life doesn't always go as planned. I loved this story!
Clara was a grown woman and she decided to take her Aunt out West on a wagon train but the head man didn't like the fact that they didn't have any mention with them. Clara was determined that they could make it on their own. Life doesn't always go as planned. I loved this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews